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Sound-Proof Your Home

Gavin Kiker
Leave a comment General

Working Remotely – In Peace

If you have recently switched to remote work, you may have been shocked by the level of noise in your home every day. You aren’t alone! Workers all across the country are realizing their homes aren’t the peaceful workspace they hoped for. Whether it be the sound of traffic outside your home or kids in it, there are many options to reduce noise levels to increase your productivity!

Sound Proof Home
Photo courtesy of Medium.com

In today’s post we will be covering some of the most common and effective solutions to noise pollution at home:

  • Floors – If your workspace has tile or hardwood/laminate flooring, you may want to consider covering it up! Hard surfaces reflect soundwaves, causing them to amplify and echo. Obviously, this isn’t ideal! To help cut these sounds down to a minimum, put a rug down! Rugs will absorb those soundwaves instead of reflecting them. There are even sound deadening pads available that can go under your rug!
  • Walls – If you have an open floorplan, you probably already know how sound can bounce all through the house without a problem. You can minimize this a few different ways. Several companies make fabric covered “acoustic panels” designed to absorb soundwaves that would otherwise bounce off of your walls. There are many different options and styles to choose from so you are sure to find something you like! Another option is a bookcase strategically placed against the wall. Even a half-full bookcase can make a big difference in the sound levels of a room, just like the acoustic panels! Lastly, artwork can be a great way to reduce echoing in your room. There are even acoustic art panels available specifically for this use!
  • Windows – Windows are some of the biggest sound-leaking parts of your home. Properly sealing windows is crucial to block outside noise from entering your home and disturbing your work. There are many ways to go about soundproofing windows; we will cover the best affordable options! First up is window weather stripping! The stripping that comes on your windows can deteriorate over time, allowing sound to leak in! You can combat this by adding foam weather-stripping over the original seals. This will create an airtight seal, blocking outside noise! Even with perfect seals around your windows, sound may still make it through the glass and disturb you! Luckily, there are soundproof curtains available to further block unwanted sound waves from entering your home! Many of these curtains are thermally insulated too, which will help you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
  • Doors – While they aren’t something we always think about, a lot of noise can leak in from your doors! Solid doors (as opposed to hollow-core doors) block a good amount of sound by themselves. The problem areas are around the door where a complete seal may not be happening. Remedy this by installing weather stripping where the door meets it’s frame! This stripping usually uses built-in adhesive, making install a breeze! If you also want to seal the bottom of the door, install a door sweep. This simple invention blocks drafts, and noise, from getting underneath the door. These usually take a few screws to install. If you are trying to block excess sound from getting through a hollow-core door, you may want to add mass loaded vinyl to either the core or face of the door. The reason this may be needed is hollow-core doors tend to absorb sound rather than reflect it like their solid-core siblings. Adding vinyl will further deaden any sounds trying to get through!

We hope this post has given you some insight on sound-proofing your home for remote work, or simply for a quieter space! If you have any questions about our blog, or you would like to talk to a Southwest Colorado real estate professional, give us a call at (970) 507-8655. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to stay up to date on our virtual open house series and NextHome RMR updates!

Wolf Creek Ski Area

Gavin Kiker
Leave a comment General / Mountain Sports / Outdoor Activities / Pagosa Springs / Snow Report / Wolf Creek Ski Resort

Wolf Creek Ski 2021

The New Year has been a sunny one in Pagosa Springs so far. One great place to enjoy the sun is on Wolf Creek! Every trail is open and there is snow in the forecast for this weekend. If you don’t have a pass already, they are available on Wolf Creek’s website here or in-person on the mountain! Season Passes are available as well as day passes. If you want to scope things out before heading up the pass, check out the Wolf Creek Live Webcams. They offer multiple angles of the ski area!

Wolf Creek

Don’t forget to wear layers and bring food and water with you, they’re are especially important at higher elevations. If you need snow gear, both Ski & Bow Rack and Summit Ski & Sports offer deals on tons of sport and outdoor equipment! If Wolf Creek has you hooked on this area, give us a call at (970) 507-8655 and we can help you find your dream property!

 

Lost Traction In The Snow?

Gavin Kiker
Colorado / Community / General / Outdoors

Getting Out Of A Sticky (Snowy?) Situation

With winter in full force and Christmas nearly here, many of us are braving the snowy roads and icy parking lots. Whether you’re driving cross-country to see family, or driving down the road for groceries, you are likely going to encounter some bad road conditions! If you’re losing traction in the grocery store parking lot or stuck in a foot of snow, this guide should help you get out!

Car without Traction

Momentum Is Key!

If you are slipping or sliding on or off the road, don’t stop! If you keep your momentum up there is a good chance you will be able to drive away! If you stop you are much more likely to become stuck in the snow.

Easy On The Throttle.

Throttle control is extremely important when trying to get un-stuck. If you use too much power, you will spin your wheels and dig deeper into the snow. Spinning wheels can also turn the snow into ice, which isn’t ideal for traction! A light foot is a necessity when trying to get out of the snow.

Think About Gears.

If you are in a vehicle with an automatic, shift to the lowest gear possible. If you are in a vehicle with a manual transmission, shift to 3rd or 4th gear. Doing so will allow you to more easily control your tire movement and minimize wear to your car.

Disable Traction Control.

As counter-intuitive as it may seem, traction control won’t help you get unstuck! Traction control works by applying the brakes to whichever wheel has the least traction. This limits your control over the vehicle and can actually keep you from driving out of the snow! If your vehicle has traction control, you can turn it off by pushing or holding the traction control button. Be careful not to apply too much power with traction control off or your tires will just spin. See “Easy On The Throttle.”

Rock & Roll!

Rocking your vehicle back and forth can help propel it out of a rut. Simply drive forward as much as you can, then put the car in reverse and move backwards. Repeat this step to build momentum and get unstuck! If you feel the car get over the rut, you can give it some gas to power out of the snow.

Traction Tools.

If you are stuck it is probably too late to put tire chains or cables on your car. That doesn’t mean you’re out of options! Small rocks, sand, kitty litter, and even small branches can be placed under the tires to add some grip. There are also traction boards available that work great for adding traction; they work as a makeshift shovel too!

Air Those Tires Down

If you simply don’t have enough traction to get moving, deflating your tires by a few PSI may help! When you let air out of your tires the contact patch between the tire and ground increases. This means you have more tread on the ground to add traction! If you keep your wheels straight with the tires aired down, there is less resistance so your car will move easier. Keep in mind that you will need to re-inflate your tires soon after getting unstuck or you risk damaging them. Several companies make portable air compressors for this application!

Dig, Dig, Dig!

Sometimes there is simply too much snow to drive through. When this is the case a proper shovel is your friend! There are several portable shovels available, many with collapsible handles for easy storage. These will come in very useful for unburying axles and clearing the underside of your car in deep snow. You can also use a shovel to build a ramp in the snow if it’s too deep for your car!

Last Ditch Efforts

If these tips just aren’t working in your situation, it’s best to either phone a friend or call a tow company for help! Remember to always check your tailpipes as a blockage could force exhaust gases into your vehicles cabin. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re waiting for help, break out your Winter Emergency Kit to stay warm and cozy! While you’re waiting, check out our Featured Listings, or like us on Facebook to see our Virtual Open House videos and other important updates!

Winter Emergency Kit

Gavin Kiker
Colorado / Nature / Outdoors / Pagosa Springs / Rocky Mountains

Be Prepared This Winter! Pack an Emergency Kit.

Driving in snow can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous; 17% of all car accidents occur in winter weather conditions! It is important to be prepared for whatever is thrown your way, whether you hit ice and slide into a ditch or your car breaks down. We recommend keeping a basic emergency kit in your car at all times so you are prepared if something happens. This list covers the basics on what you need!

Emergency Kit

Emergency Kit Essentials:

  1. First Aid Kit – A first-aid kit is something you should always keep in your car. While it won’t help with major medical issues, you can at least bandage any scrapes or cuts! If you are prescribed any medication, keep some labeled in your first aid kit in case you are stranded.
  2. Flashlight – It is really, really dark at night during a snow storm! Pack a good flashlight or headlamp in your emergency kit. This can be extremely useful if you need to work on your car in the dark. USB charging is a big plus on these!
  3. Ice Scraper – Your car’s defroster doesn’t always work as quickly or as well as it needs to. Put an ice scraper in your kit so you can clear your windshield in icy conditions. Low visibility through your windshield can be very dangerous!
  4. Jumper Cables – The rest of your car emergency kit isn’t much good if you can’t start the car! Jumper cables allow you to start your car with a dead battery using another car. These can be really helpful year-round. Just be sure you’re putting them on correctly, or you risk damaging the electrical components in your car.
  5. Snow Shovel – This one is pretty straightforward… If you are stuck in the snow, a snow shovel can help you get out. You don’t need a full size shovel in your emergency kit, smaller shovels are made for this specific purpose!
  6. Bag Of Cat Litter – The main reason cars get stuck in the snow is lack of traction. If you find yourself in a position where your tires are spinning on ice or snow you can simply sprinkle cat litter behind the tire to add traction! We recommend keeping at least a couple gallons bagged up, as you may go through a lot!
  7. Cell Phone Charger – Your phone is pretty much useless without a charge! Keep a car charger and a portable battery charged up in your car to be sure you’re never stuck with a dead phone. It’s also a good idea to keep your emergency contact numbers written down somewhere in your car, so you can still call them on someone else’s phone.
  8. Water – Dehydration can be a serious problem if you are stranded. Keep at least a gallon of water in your emergency kit. Keep in mind water expands when it is frozen, so if you’re filling your own container leave some room at the top.
  9. Blanket – Winter is cold! Pack at least one good, thick blanket to keep you warm if you need to stay in your car. If you have room for a second blanket, pack a tough one that you could lay on under your car if needed during repairs. Military wool blankets work well for everything.
  10. Tool Kit – Just like the first-aid kit, a basic tool kit can be useful year-round! From small repairs to tire changes, there are many uses for tools. If your car requires any special tools (European cars often use Torx bolts) be sure to pack those into your tool kit.
  11. Roadside Reflectors – Breaking down on the side of the road can put you at risk of being hit by passing drivers; especially in low visibilty scenarios like a winter storm! Roadside reflectors or road triangles help other drivers know where you are and that you may need assistance. They take up little room and are definitely a good item to keep with you.
  12. Non-Perishable Food – If you are stranded in your car, you will probably need an energy boost at some point. Keep non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, dehydrated fruits, and jerky in your emergency kit for that little extra energy kick! Don’t forget to rotate snacks out every few months so you are never stuck with bad food.
  13. Matches/Lighter – Matches or a lighter can provide you with some light and warmth in an emergency. Pack waterproof matches so they can’t be ruined by moisture. Disposable lighters such as a bic or clipper lighter are best as they won’t leak fluid and they work in cold conditions.
  14. Insulated Work Gloves – If you need to work on your car in the snow, you are probably going to want a good pair of gloves! Insulated work gloves are the best choice for an emergency kit. They will keep you warm and hold up to any abuse you throw at them.

This list should give you a good base to build your own emergency kit from! Winter driving can be treacherous so we hope this kit can help you this winter season! If you are reading this wishing you lived somewhere snowy, give us a call at (970) 507-8655 and we can help you find your Next Home in the mountains! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for NextHome updates and our bi-weekly virtual open house series.

Snow Removal

Gavin Kiker
General

How To Shovel Your Deck, The Right Way!

Snow shoveling is something most Coloradoans are very familiar with, especially in Pagosa Springs! While it seems fairly straightforward, shoveling 3 feet of snow off of your deck can be difficult if you don’t know how to do it! Below are some guidelines that will make your Winter Chores a breeze!

Snow Shoveling

Before It Snows:

  1. Inspect your deck for lifted nails or screws. These can catch on your shovel or shoes while you are shoveling. Not fun!
  2. Move anything below the edges of your deck. Snow will pile up over time; you don’t want your snow blower buried in snow under the deck!
  3. Put your snow shovels where you can easily access them after it snows.

After It Snows:

  1. For Light Snow, the best way to clear your deck is actually to sweep it with a broom! A regular corn broom works great for this, and wont snag on the wood. This method is great because it won’t scratch your decks finish like a snow shovel could. If you want to kick it up a notch, a good leaf blower can also take care of light snow on your deck!
  2. Shovel Parallel To the decking. Shoveling snow into the edges of your deck boards will tear the decking up. It will also make it much harder to clear snow, as you will get caught on the edges more often than not.
  3. If your deck has an ice problem, do not chop the ice with a shovel! The best way to cure an icy deck is with ice melt. There are many types to choose from, some are even pet safe! So shop around and find an ice melt that best suits your application. This is good to have on hand anyways! Sprinkling ice melt on your deck after shoveling will ensure no ice forms on the newly cleared surface.
  4. Make Hot Chocolate and admire your work! It is really that easy to properly clear your deck!

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can’t buy or sell a house! Give us a call today at (970) 507-8655 to talk to a real estate professional. Don’t forget to like us on Facebook to keep up to date with NextHome events and Virtual Open House videos!

Giving Trees

Gavin Kiker
Community / Events / General / Holiday Posts / Pagosa Springs

Giving Trees – Gifts Needed!

NextHome Rocky Mountain Realty & Rentals is doing Giving Trees in Pagosa Springs again this year! Each Giving Tree will have tags with Luke (that Orange Dog) on them, so they are easy to find.

Each of these tags will have a child’s name and item from his/her wish list. If you would like to sponsor a gift for one or more of these kids, you can simply take the tag off the tree, purchase and wrap the gift, and bring it by our office to be taken to that child! Trees will be located at Ponderosa Lumber and Ace Hardware.

If you would like to sponsor a gift, but don’t want to go into the store for a tag, we will gladly provide you with gift info, just give us a call at (970) 507-8655 or email us at info@nexthomermr.com.

This is a wonderful way to give back to the community during the Holidays, especially this year! We want every kid to have a good Christmas, and this is a great way to help! Don’t forget to like us on Facebook for NextHome updates and virtual open house videos!

Giving Trees

It’s Cookie Season

Gavin Kiker
Community / Entertainment / General / Holiday Posts / Pagosa Springs

Make Your Own Snickerdoodle Cookies This Holiday Season!

Cold December air and short Winter days mean the Holidays are fast approaching! Christmas parties and family gatherings are always better with treats; especially a good cookie. Impress your friends this year by baking some delicious Snickerdoodle cookies… from scratch! Here’s a great recipe to get you started:

Snickerdoodle Cookie

Yield: Makes About 3 1/2 Dozen Sugar Dusted Snickerdoodles

Ingredients

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1⁄2 cup vegetable shortening, softened
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3⁄4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 3⁄4 cups flour
  • 2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°. Combine 1 1⁄2 cups sugar, butter, shortening, baking powder, vanilla, and salt in a bowl and beat on medium speed of hand mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, and beat until smooth. Add flour, and beat until just combined.
  2. Using 2 tablespoons, portion and roll dough into 1″ balls; combine remaining sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and roll balls in cinnamon-sugar to coat. Place balls 2″ apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets, and using the bottom of a glass or measuring cup, press each ball to flatten into a disk; bake until lightly golden and set, about 10 minutes.
  3. Enjoy your delicious baked goods!

 

This recipe is courtesy of Todd Coleman, Executive Food Editor for Saveur.com

If you’re wanting to sell your home or buy a new one this Holiday Season, give us a call at (970) 507-8655.

Holiday Lights Tour

Gavin Kiker
Community / Entertainment / Events / General / Holiday Posts / Pagosa Springs

Pagosa Springs Holiday Lights Competition

The Pagosa Springs Annual Holiday Lighting Contest is officially underway and 24 businesses and residential properties have entered this colorful contest so far! Lighting is guaranteed to be on every Friday and Saturday night until New Years, so you have plenty of time to tour Pagosa and see all of the Christmas decorations and lighting that has been put up. Downtown Pagosa Springs is already covered in lights!

Christmas Lights

To participate in this fun tradition, just download the Visit Pagosa Springs App! Like us on Facebook to keep up to date on NextHome Rocky Mountain Realty & Rentals.

Happy Thanksgiving From NextHome Rocky Mountain Realty & Rentals!

Gavin Kiker
Colorado / Community / Fall / General / Holiday Posts / Pagosa Springs

We want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from the NextHomies here at NextHome Rocky Mountain Realty & Rentals!

NextHome Thanksgiving